Strip casting machine



Nov. 2l, 1950 A. H. NARROW 2,531,290

STRIP CASTING MACHINE Anfon H. Narrow JNVENTOR.

5 Sheets-Sheet 2 A. H. NARROW STRIP CASTING MACHINE Anfon H. NarrowINVENTOR.

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STRIP CASTING MACHINE Nov. 21, 1950 Filed April l2, 1948 6 Sheets-Sheet4 F/gj Anan H. Narrow JNVENTOR.

A. H. NARROW STRIP CASTING MAQHINE Nw. m, m@

6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed April l2, 1948 Anm/'r H Narrow INVENTOR.

mr., 2, E9 A. H. NARROW 253%2@ STRIP CASTING MACHINE Patented Nov. 2l,1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE STRIP CASTING MACHINE Anton H.. Narrow,Memphis, Tenn.

Y Application April 12, 1948, Serial No. 20,505

2 Claims.

' supply of plastic material, preferably metallic,

in the molten or semi-molten state and, simultaneously, separate acharge of this molten material from the supply, admix a lubricant withthe charge while urging a previous charge through l a mold, cool themolten material while a charge thereof is being urged through a mold,thereby forming a continuous strip of solidified material.

Another object of this invention is to intermittently pull the stripfrom the mold and hold the pulled strip While cutting it to size.

A still further object of this invention is to cut the strip inpre-selected lengths, the cutting being initiated in response to thelength of travel of the continuous strip.

A still further object of this invention is to compensate for variouswidths of continuous strip material While holding it during the cuttingoperation.

A still further object of this invention is to hold the strip in such amanner while it is being cut and after it has been cut in order toprevent obstructions in the advance of the continuous strip.

Another object of this invention is to intermittently advance thecontinuous strips at selected speeds and periodically hold the strip atthe proper interval for cutting purposes.

Yet another object of this invention is to cut the continuous strip topre-selective lengths` the cutting means being responsive to the actuallength of the molded strip.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved mechanismwith no pivot pins in or adjacent the crucible or heating pot, therebypreventing inefliciency in operation resulting from swollen pivots (dueto the heat).

Another purpose of this invention is to prime the apparatus by manualmeans, thereby preventing breakage of the device due to prematuremechanical operation (while the plastic material hasfnot yet reached themolten or semi-molten stage).

Another object of this invention is to lubricate the molten orsemi-molten plastic material While it is being separated from the supplyin charges,

which separation urges a previous charge through a mold in order to forma continuous, unbroken, homogeneous strip.

Another object of this invention is to separate the charges of plasticmaterial from the supply by means of the actuation of a piston, Whichpis-V v ton is resiliently loaded on the upstroke, the resiliency beingthe motive force during the downstroke, which downstroke is the actualpower stroke.

Another object of this invention is to provide a smoothly operativedevice of the nature to be requiring A .merely an electrical outlet foractuation purposes.

described which is self-contained,

Another purpose of this invention is to provide means for regulating theamount of charge whichA is separated from the supply of molten materialin order to compensate for leakage around thepiston head, thereby makingit possible to sepa- Y Figure 1 is a perspective view of the preferredform of the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a stripped down plate Whereon severaloperative portions of the device reside;

Figure 3 is an elevational side View of the invention shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is an end View of a mechanism forA adjusting the stroke of thepuller;

Figure 5 is a sectional View taken substantially on the line 5 5 ofFigure 4 and in the direction y of the arrows;

Figure 6 is an elevational side view of the pre-` ferred form of theinvention, portions being broken away in section to illustrate detailsof construction Figure '7 is a plan view of a pulling mechanism,

which is substantially identical in structure to the locking mechanism;

Figure 8 is a sectional view taken substantially Y on the line 8-8 ofFigure 7 and in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 9 is an enlarged sectional view of the crucible used in theinvention, illustrating par ticularly the lubricating -means and meansfor separating charges of molten material from a supply;

Figure 10 is a plan View of the cutter mechin Figure l, a portion of thepiston mechanism.

being broken away in order to illustrate certain details;

Figure l5 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of the device shown inFigure 14, showing the cutter mechanism in a secondoperative position;and

Figure 16 is a sectional detail of construction taken substantially onthe line Iii-I6 of Figure 9 and inthe'direction of the arrows.

Frame or support A suitable support or frame issupplied as the recipientof various elements of the invention. andi may be made oi'any suitablematerial' including either^ cast or angle iron braces and' the like.-Four legs i0, l2, It and I6, respectively'. maybe supplied with a"platformv I'associated therewith for accommodating a suitable motor 20.It will be noted at this point that the said motor 2@ may beV or anyconventional nature having the usual conductor or lead 22 extendingtherefrom. ThisV lead may be attachedr to the platform i8" through themedium of a conventional clamp 24 and may have a switchv 25 associatedtherewith for making and breaking an electrical circuit, therebyrendering the motor 20 operative, when it is found desirable. Also, thesaid motor 2@ may be attached to the platform i8 by any' suitable meanssuch as bolts, rivets, or the like. It is also within the purview of thepresent invention to-adjustably mount the motor 2Q, since it has apulley 28 associated therewith with a groove belt 3i) entrained aboutthe pulley. In cases wherein the tension of the belt til .is to beadjusted, thismay be effected bymov'ement of the motor.

The support or frame includes a substantially flat top 33 having anaperture 3d therein, Viewing Figures 1 and 14, it will be seen that thetop 32,is substantially planar and unobstructed for the' maior portionthereof and said recess 34 is formed as a well for accommodation of acrucible or meltingpot (see Fig. 9).

A stripped downv plate 38 (Figure 2) is attached to one side of the top32 vby means of suitable bolts or the like passing through the aperturesprovided at the proper positions on this plate. Various cutouts andrecesses are supplied in this plate 38 in order to accommodate variousvmechani'sms forming a portion of the present inven tion.

Suitable side supports 42, t4, and 4G are interconnected with the legsand also serve the purpose of a recipient for various mechanisms in theinvention.

Heating system The crucible 36 is adapted to receive plastic (preferablymetallic) stock which is melted to a certain stage oi iluidity which isconsidered molten. The degree of fluidity requisite in the efficientoperation of the. invention may be ascertaned by the operator of thedevice. The material must not be heated to a state wherein the viscosityis substantially zero, and yet the material must be heated enough inorder to permit free iiow of the same through various conduits. In orderto eiect this heating, many means may be employed. However, thepreferable means is by utility of a gas manifold with various conduitsassociated therewith.

An inlet conduit i8 which is connected to a suitable gas source isattached to-the frame or support leg i6 by any suitable means, such as apipe clamp 5E?. This inlet conduit 48 has a plurality of branch conduitsassociated therewith, one. of whichl is seen at 52. This branch conduithas a valve generally indicated at 54 therein which is of the manualoperational type. A conventional burner- 58 is connected therewith andextends beneath the melting pot or crucible 36. Of course, suitableregulatable air inlet valve means for mixture control may be supplied,as is seen' at 60.

A` pair of conventional valves'62 and Myrespectively, are communicatedwith the inlet pipe 48 and have tubes G5 and 68, respectively,communicated therewith. These tubes terminate ad-A jacent the mold celland' valve mechanism'ior maintaining the cell and mechanism in arelative- 1y hot condition in order to-allow freel ow'of molten materialtherethrough.

Means for separating charges of material from the supplylfifrespectively, be formed of any suitablematerial such as angle ironor the like and rigid@ ly associated with the said plate 38 by means ofconventional bolts, rivets, or evenY welded if it -isfound desirable. Asis seen in Figure 3, a through passage is supplied between the saidrails 'i0 and 'I2 in order to accommodate a reciprocatingv rodv 7A. Thisrod is biiurcated at one .end thereof, forming a pair of divergent armsi6 andY i8.- At the point of inception of the divergency, a notch 88 isformed for accommodation of a rocker. arm It will be noted thattheexternal dimensions 82. of the rocker arm 82 are substantially identicalto the internal dimensions of the notchl 89 wherein a hrm seatingmayftake place.

A. boss 84 is-formed integral with an extenpiston rod 88 therethrough.The said shoe 9'2 may include a plate SB which is attached to the'. maincenter block thereof by means of adjustable.

threaded elements or bolts S8. These bolts, of

course, penetrate the said plate Sie and terminate in thecenter blockfor firmly clamping this mechanism in the selected adjusted positionrelative to the longitudinal axis of the rails 'l5 and 12.

A conventional spring 50B orv any other suit-'j able equivalentresilient biasing means encircles the said piston rod 88 bearingV on thesaid' ex.

tension 94 and the said boss 84. When the said OfA 5 rocker arm 82 ismanipulated, it is now apparentthat the boss 84 reciprocates for storingpotential energy in the spring |00. On the upstroke of the boss 84, thepotential energy is stored in the said spring |00 and on the downstrokeit is the actual energy stored within the spring that supplies themotive force of the piston rod 88. By adjustment of the shoe 92, theamount of force stored in the spring may be regulated in order to arriveat the most eiective speed of downstroke of the piston rod and also .inorder to arrive at the most smoothly operative'condition of theapparatus.

Referring now to Figure 9, it will be seen that the Ysaid piston rod 88has a piston head |02 secured thereto with grooves |04 formed therein.The said piston rod and piston reciprocate in cycles of operation,urging the piston head |02 in a cylinder |06. This cylinder |06 issupplied in a relatively heavy block |08 which is secured within thecrucible 36.

A bracket ||0 (see Fig. 14) is secured to an edge of the frame orsupport extending over the aperture 34. A stay bolt |2 extends throughthe bracket H0 and rests upon the edge of the block |08 for supportpurposes.

The said block |08 is supplied with a pair of apertures or bores I4 andI6, respectively, which are diametrically placed adjacent the lowerportion thereof and which communicate with the said cylinder |06. Notingiirst the said -bore ||6, it will be seen that an elbow I |8 is securedthereto and has a conduit threadedly associated therewith. Of course, ifit is found desirable,l

the elbowconduit, and block |08 may be formed asa single unit. thisbeing within thev prerogative of the manufacturer.

One end of the said conduit |20 has its bore internally threaded inorder to accommodate the threaded portion |22 of a valve stern |24. Thisvalve stem has a reduced terminal portion cooperative with a valve seatformed at |26 in the said conduit |20. Various inlet channels |28 and|30, respectively, are formed laterally of the bore of the said conduit|20 at a point adjacent the valve seat |26 for inlet purposes. Ofcourse, the opposite terminal of the said valve stem |24 may beilattened either hexagonally, square, octagonally, or in any othersuitable shape for manipulation purposes. By adjustment of this valvestem |24 in the bore of the said conduit |20, the opening at the valveseat |26 is selectively regulated in order to permit a selected amountof molten material to be pulled into the cylinder |06 by the negativepressure or suction created therein upon actuation of the piston head|02 during its upstroke.

A check valve is supplied in the said conduit 20 and may be of the balltype including an enlargement |32 of the said bore of the conduit |20with a conventional ball valve member |34 freely oating therein. Asuitable spider |36 is also supplied in the enlargement of the bore,permitting only a selected length of travel of the ball |34.

An elbow |30 may be threadedly received in the cylinder block |08,communicating with the said bore H4. This elbow has a transverse pipe|40 connected thereto with a conduit |42 operatively connected therewithand with a block |44.

v. The said block |44 has a passage |46 therein, which is in directcommunication with the bore of the said pipe or conduit |42.r Thispassage terminates in an enlargement thereof |48 which has a port |50directly communicating therewith.

It may now be seen that on thedownstroke of the piston head |02 theplastic material (preferably metallic and in the molten or semi-moltenstage) is urged upwardly through the passage |46, thence through theport |50 into a mold |52.

A plug |54 is threadedly received in one end of the enlargement |48 foraccess to this enlargement. A second port |56 communicates with the saidenlargement |48 and is on the opposite side thereof from the said port|50. This last-mentioned port |56 communicates with a valve chamber |56formed in the said block |44 wherein a ball Valve member |60 resides.This ball is freely Iioatable between the said port |56 and avalve seat|62, which valve seat has a passage |B4 directly communicatingtherewith.

The said passage |64 has a chamber |66 communicated therewith and aconduit |68, threadedly received in the said block |44, is incommunication with the said chamber |66. This conduit |68 terminatesadjacent the bottom portion of the crucible or melting pot 36 forreceiving molten material therefrom. It will be noted that uponreciprocation of the piston head |02, a charge of material is receivedfrom the crucible through the various passages, conduits and valvesdescribedabove. In operation, a certain amount of leakage will occurbetween the piston head |02 and the cylinder walls. To regulate theinflow ofV plastic material from the crucible in order to separate thedesired amount of material, which separation should be substantiallysimilar at all times (in quantity), the conduit |20 with its valvemechanism is supplied. Regulation of the valve stem |24 serves thispurpose.

In fabrication of this described portion of the invention, variousexpedients might be resorted to for feasibility of manufacture, such asthe utility of a plug |10 closing the upper portion of the valve chamber58 after positioning the valve ball member |60 therein.

Lubricating system In operation of the invention, it is necessary to llubricate certain elements of the invention. This end is accomplished bymeans of applying lubricant to the molten material before it isseparated in charges. The preferred form of lubricating system forms animportant part of the present invention and will be described in detailat this time.

A lubricant container |12 having a spout |14 is supplied. This containeralso has a spider element |10 therein with an internally threaded boss|18 substantially centrally thereof.. A valve stem having a threadedportion |82 is threadedly received in the said internally threaded boss|18. The said valve stem |80 may be supplied with a bent portion |84 atone end thereof and a reduced valve head portion |86 at the oppositeend. The said valve head portion is cooperative with one end of the borein the spout |14 in order to eiiect the proper and desired valving. Asis seen` in Figure 9, the lubricant extends through the said spout |14and progresses to the chamber |66. By proper manipulation of the valvestem |00, thev rate of flow of lubricant is selectively regulated.

Upon actuation of the piston head |02, the molten material is urgedthrough the said conduit |42 and nally through the mold |52 as describedabove. At the same time, the lubricant from the chamber |66 isintermingled or admixed with the molten material going through thevarious passages of therblock |44 kwith the molten.

material. It isnoted=atthis point Athat a certain amount of lubricantwill seep throughfthe yconduit |42 for lubrication of the piston andcylinder walls.

Cooling system well as the rate of flow. This pipe extends around.- oneend portion of a mold cell |82 which accom- The said tube |88- modatesthe saidmold |52. extending around the mold cell |82 forms a coil |84which may be welded thereto or otherwise secured,'such as by means of asuitable small Welded bracket' or plate ISS. Obviously, the terminal' ofthe said mold cell |82, and thereforethe mold |52, is maintained in aycool condition at this point in order to solidify the-issuing moltenmaterial. The previously described burners and burner pipes 65 and B8,respectively, termi# 3 nate adjacent the said block |44 and the moldcell |82l in order to maintain the molten material in the' fluid stage.However, the opposite end of the said mold and mold cell areintentionally cooled for solidifying the material. Thus, in accordancewith the particular shape of theY mold aperture |98, various shapes andsizes of strips may be formed.

' In order to ascertain when the molten material is transferred to thisstage, which is appropriate for efficient operation of the machine, awell 288 may be rigidly attached to or formed integral with the moldcell |82 and a small quantity of the molten material placed therein as asample. When this sample attains the proper fluidity, it may be vieweddirectly in this well or recess.

The terminal of the said water tube |88 may be adjacent a funnel-shapedelement 282 which is attached to a drain pipe 284. The said drain pipe284 may again be iixedly secured to the frame or supporty by means of aconventional bracket 206 which is attached to the cross support 42. Thedrainage is, of course, received in a suitable trap, which may besupplied in the floor, through a wall, or any other suitable place.Since the water circulating through the cooling system is relativelyclean, no special provision may be necessary for filtering or otherwisepurifying this water.

Mold cell and adjustable mounting therefor The said mold cell |82 isjuxtaposed relative to the sad Crucible 3E and has a slot 288 thereinforacccmmodation of a conventional mold |52. In order to form varioussized strips of material, the mold cell |52 may be removed in favor ofother size molds. Of course, the size is-determined bythe length andWidth of the aperture |98. therein. The mold |52 is frozen in the moldcell |82 by means of placing a bit of the molten material inthe aperture288 and permitting it to freeze by theV action ofthe cooling jacket |84.This of course maintains the mold firmly in position in thecell.How-ever, it is seldom that the mold- !52 is perfectly placed in themold cell |92 whereby alignment with the necessary-cooperating elementsof the apparatus is perfect.

Therefore, a means for al'gning the entire cell |82 with the necessaryother elements of the device is supplied. Accordingly, the present invention has incorporated therewith-means for adjusting the entire cell |92after the4 mold |52 or a mold of a different description is placedtherein. This means may be seen best in Figures 6 and 15., wherein anarm 2H) extends from the block |44' to one side of the frame or support.The block |44, and consequently the attached or integral mold cell |82,may either be shimmed at the connection of the arm 2| 0 and the side ofthe support or, if it is found desirable, the bolt. 2|2l may simplythreadingly adjust the cell |92. The mold cell |92 may be additionallysupported by means of a rod or bracket 2|4 which attaches to the moldcell and to one of the supporting ele.- znents forming a portion of thesupport.

This feature of the invention is of material im'- portance, since thestrip which is formed and cutshould align substantially perfectly with apuller and holder mechanism to be described subsequently.

Motor and drive mechanism Referring primarily to Figures l and 3, asimplified means for actuating various and sundry mechanisms pertinentto the present invention is illustrated. The motor 28 is attached to theplatform I8 as described above and the V-groove belt 3|) is actuatedthereby. This belt is also entrained about a relatively large pulley 228which is jour-v naled on a suitable shaft 222, journaled in turn'in thesaid support. The said shaft 222 has a worm 224 secured thereto which isin engagement with a gear 226. The said gear 226 is in turn journaled ona shaft 228. This last-mentioned shaft has its axis extendingtransversely of the longitudinal axis of the said shaft 222 fortransmission of torque. A cam 238 is fixedly secured to the said shaft228, engaging a cam follower 231i.v This last-mentioned element 234 isjournaled on one end of the said rocker arm 82, the opposite end thereofbeing fitted in the said notch 8S as described elsewhere in thespecification. At a point substantially medially of the length of therocker arm 82, there is a pivot pin supplied which is journaled in aconventional bracket 238. This bracket may be attached to any suitableportion of the said support, preferably the cross element 42. It is nowseen that upon rotation of the shaft 228, the rocker arm 82 will beactuated for supplying reciprocatory movement to the piston rod 88 Alsosecured to the said shaft 228 is an eccentric 238 having a pitman 24Dsecured thereto. This pitman has a cam lobe 242 formed thereon which isadapted to engage the cani follower 24:?, for the purpose of actuating acutter mechanism to be described subsequently.

The opposite end of the said pitman 248 is connected with a linkagewhich in turn actuates a puller mechanism.

Puller mechanism Attention is now directed primarily to Figures 7 and 8wherein a puller mechanism is illustrated for use in forming a portionof the present invention. A strip 248 which is formed by receiving thehardened metal or other plastic material from the mold |52 is shown inuse in these views ofthe invention. The puller mechanism consists lof abase plate 258 having a relatively stationary block 252 integraltherewith. A sliding or locking block 254 is positioned adjacent thesaid relatively stationary block 252 for cooperation therewith.

The entire mechanism including the base plate i250 is periodicallyslidable by means of a portion of the structure described previously andby other structure to be described subsequently. As the plate 250 andits pertinent mechanism is slid forward, .the sliding block 254 isclamped toward the' relatively stationary block 252 with the strip of'material 246 therebetween. This pulls the strip 245 froml the mold 52intermittently. When .the plate 250 is returned, the said sliding block.and stationary block are so arranged as to permit the strip 245 to movetherebetween freely. The 'specific structurelfor carrying out thisfunction may besee'ri best in Figure 8 wherein a stub shaft 256 isjournaled in the base `plate 250 and the c over 258. This stub shaft 25E may have reduced terminals with an enlarged portion therebetween.Thev enlarged portion has an internally threaded .borefor reception of athreaded element or screw 260. An enlargement or ball 252 is formed atone end of the said screw 260 and cooperates with a socket or recess 266formed in the sai-d sliding block 254.` The said screw 200 is therebyadjustable in the stub shaft 25d-for compensating for various Widths ofstrips 246 which are cast.

Of course, one end of the said threaded element 200 may be slotted forreception of a screwdriver or the like in adjustment. Other expedientssuch l as ,forming a knurled knob on the end of this element may beresorted to if it is found desirable.

The longitudinal axis of the said threaded element 260 is maintained 01Tcenter relative to the longitudinal axis of the said plate 25! in orderthat upon forward movement of the entire plate 260the sliding block 254will tend to frictionally engage the strip 24S, locking it in place, incarrying the said strip with the entire pulling mecha- IISm.'

In order toy further insure a rm frictional tendency for engagement withthe strip 246, a resilient element 268 is secured to the said plate 25ofor resiliently biasing the sliding plate 254 in a selected direction.This resilient element 268 may be in the form of a strip having a loop2410 at one end thereof which encircles a stationary pin 212 eitherformed integral -With or secured to the said plate 258. A guide post 214is secured to the upper surface of the said plate 259 for guid ing thesaid resilient element 268. The opposite end of the said resilient strip200 may be re-, ceived in a suitable recess in one edge of the saidsliding block 254, being normally maintained therein due to the inherentresiliency of the metallic strip 268. Y It will be seen that thestripped down plate 38 is formed with a recess 216 for accommodation ofa portion of the puller mechanism. A tie bar 218 extends from the plate250 and is received Within the said recess 218. Guide plate 282 and theend surface 28| of the plate 250 together with the raised extension 280are positioned on opposite sides of this tie plate 21B anking the saidplate 38 to form a guide for the pullerl mecha- A mandrel-shaped pinincluding an enlarged section 284 and a relatively reduced section 28Eissecured to the said plate `282 for accommodation of the actuatingmeans for the entire pulling assemblage. elements of the presentinvention are synchronized in movement-the means for actuating thepuller assemblyis adjustable in nature in order to compensate for speeddifferentiations and also to compensate for stroke adjustment of thismechamsm. f

The'saidpitman 240 has a stroke adjuster piv.-

Sinoe' it is essential that all of the oted thereto. This strokeadjustor may be seen best in Figures 4 and 5, as well as in Figure 2. Itconsists of a housing generally indicated at 290 with diametric pins 2&2and 294, respectively, extending therefrom. lThese pins are journaled ina suitable bracket 226 which is attached to the plate 38 through themedium of suitable bolts terminating in the threaded apertures 2% and300 respectively. The said housing includes a cover plate 302 which hasan aperture adjacent its terminal portion and it is this aperturewherein a suitable pin pivotally connects the pitman 240 and thevhousing 200. Since the pitman 240 is mounted on the eccentric 238, adenite orbit of travel is provided for this pitman. The end of thepitman being attached to the plate 302 actu ates the plate ina rockingmovement.

. A tie rod 304 is pivotally secured to the enlarged portion 284 of thesaid pin of the puller mechanism and may be maintained in place throughthe medium of a conventional cotter pin or the like. The opposite end ofthe actuation rod 304 is pivotally secured in a shoe 306 which slides inthe housing 290.

Means for adjusting the shoe 306 in this housing 290 is supplied. Thepreferable means consists of a screw 308 which is -adjustably receivedin the housing 200 and more specically through one wall thereof, one endof which may have a knurled knob 310 or -the like thereon. The oppositeend of the screw 308 has a reduced portion 3I2 therein for accommodationof a pin 3M. This pin of course is vfreely slidable in the reduction3I2, while the pin is also rigidly associated with the said shoe 30S.Upon manipulation of the knurled knob 3 I 0, the entire shoe 306 may beraised and lowered within the housing 290, thereby adjusting thelongitudinal axis of the actuation rod 304 toward and away from thepivotal axis of the housing 290 which is obviously the axis of thediametric pins 290 and 294.' By this expedient, the stroke yof thepuller mechanism is regulated both as to Speed yand length.

In order to maintain the puller mechanism in its desired travel, a smallrail 3I6 is secured to the base bar or plate 38 spanning the said recess218. Of course, the rail 356 is received between the said plates 280 and282 in reciprocation of the pulling mechanism.

The holding mechanism (see Fig. 14) is identical to the pullingmechanism including the exact structure thereof. O-f course, the holdingmechanism does not reciprocate, and therefore .no means is provided forthis purpose. It is, however, adjustable by manipulation of its screw orthreaded element equivalent to that element 280. 'I'his .compensates forvarious widths of strip which is molded in the apparatus.

As the pulling mechanism is actuated, the strip 246 is pulled. throughthe holding mechanism, which permits it to move freely (the strip)therethrough. However, when the pulling mechanism returns in a singlecycle of operation, the said holder firmly (frictionally) grips thestrip 246, allowing the said pulling mechanism to return withoutapplyinga force on the strip 248 in the undesireddirection.

Cutting mechanism A cantilever 318 is secured to the table top orsupport top 332 by any suitable means such as screws 320 in order toaccommodate a sliding bar v324. 'This sliding bar or rod has a stop 326secured thereto and is adjustable relative to the longitudinal axisl ofthe said sliding rod or bar 324. The said stop 'may be in the form of asmall bracket or the like'having a set screw 328 therein. Of course, theset screw frictionally engages the bar 324, thereby permitting the stopto be placed substantially in any position on the bar. This lstop isadapted to be engaged by the issuing strip 246 after it has been pulledand held as described above. When the strip issues to a position wherebycontact with the stop takes place, the

entire bar 324 is urged forward, carrying with it anadjustable cuttermechanism. A screw 338er other suitable pivotal connection is veiectedbetween thesliding bar 3244 and a framing element 3-32 yofthe cuttermechanism.

The specic'structure of the cutter mechanism ,5-

respectively. These slots accommodate bolts 348 L and 358 respectivelywhich are anchored to the body lportion 336. Interposed betWeenthecutteror knife 342 and the body portion 336 is aguide plate 352. This guideplate is formed with slots 354 similar to the said slots 344 and 34,6and which also have the said bolts 348 and 350 extending therethrough.

The said guide plate 352 is formed with a slot 358 therein for receivingthe strip 246 v.therethrough, for subsequent cutting operations. 'Ofcourse, the edge of the cutting blade 342 maybe beveled for moreeffective shearing or" the strip.

As is seen in Figure 6, thecutting mechanism is then responsive to apredetermined length .of strip 246 which is extruded from the mold Asthe strip 246 engages .the stop 326, the bar 324 is urged in thecantilever support 3I8, thereby carrying with it the cutting mechanism.Viewing` Figure 1, it is readily appreciated that the cut-l ter 342 is:so positioned as to be contactable with an` actuating hammer 360. Thishammer .is constantly moved back and forth until the cutter mechanism ispulled to a position whereby'contact of the hammer 366 and thecutter-342 .-is e15-I fected. At that time, the shearing of the Strip246 takes place. 1

In order to compensate for various widths .of strip to be cut, the guideplate 352 may bead- The en L justed and maintained in the adjustedposition by means of the .shim 362 seen in Figure 13. This shim has acentering plate 364 Asecured thereto by means of a suitable screw or thelike .366 :and also has a hole 368 formed therein. This -hole is adaptedto encircle vthe vpin 310, which pin is in turn secured rigidly to themain body 336 of the cutter mechanism.

The said slot 358 receives the stripi246 preparatory for shearing. Whena very wide strip vis used, the adjustment ofthe guide plate352is'asseen in 'Figure 12. However, when it is desired to cut relatively'narrow strips, the yshim :362 is removed from the notch 314 and placedon the opposite side of the element 332. Of course, prior to theplacement of the shim 332 on the opposite side of this element, theentire plate .352 is slid on'the bolts 348 and 4350 to forma notch-onthe opposite side of this element. Then, the width of `the slot358 isreduced effectively dueto a `portion of the main body portion336fvvhichA overles a portion of the said slot 358. Then, v:

12 itis obvious that a more narrow strip ,may .be `cut without thebending which Would result in a loose t.

The cutter 342 has a post 316 extending ltherefrom and a spring 318 orother equivalent resilient biasing means attached thereto, .A :secondpost 380 is rigidly attached to the main body 3.36 of the cuttermechanism and also forms van anchorage for the spring 318. Upon movement.in a single direction of the cutter 342 against the normal biasingforce of thespring 318, the strip will be sheared and upon release 'ofthis force which urges the cutter 342, the said cutter will be returnedto the inoperative position.

Means for maintaining the Atravel of the .strip in a predetermined pathis supplied. Often strips, when cut, will fall in such amanner as toprevent the free issuing of the continuous strip from' the mold adjacentthis cutterzmechanism. Therefore, la specially devised bailie has beensupplied in association with the vcutter Amechanism for preventing this`inadvertent falling. The baille .382 has a ared shoulder 384 associatedtherewith which `engages the side -of the issuing strip. As thecontinuous strip-moves through 1the cutting mechanism, itis guided Vbymeans .of the bale '382 which is pivoted to the main .body 'portion ofthe cutter mechanism 336 by a suitable bolt, pin or the like. It is notessential to lmove the baille with the adjustment of the plate 1352,since .the curved or flared portion covers sufficient area :tocompensate for various plate 352 adjustments. This baiile simplyprevents -cut strips ,fromialli-ng backward to prevent the unobstructedvtravelV of the continuous strip in its issuing movement. Y

In order to guide `the cutting mechanism in its travel, a small bracket386 is secured to the said plate 38 and is'adap'ted to encircle the`extension 388 of the said main body portion-336. In reciprocation ofthecutting-means, this guide or bracket '386 maintains the cuttingmechanism in the desired travel or orbit. l Y

Means for resiliently yreturning fthe lcutter mechanism to the`'inoperative position after it has sheared the strip 246 fis supplied.lThismeans may be-seen. best in Figure 6 wher-ein a relatively longspring 390 is illustrated as being secured to the said bracket 2336 andalso secured to an adjustable stop 392. 'This last-mentioned stop 392 issecured to `the sliding rod.324 4by any suitable means, As the rod S324is progressed v4forward through the medium of the'issuing stripi24'6,ithe spring 396 is stretched or deformed, constantly applying fareturning force to the lsaid rod 324. After lthev strip is sheared,there is no force urging the .rod *324. againstuthe normal or inherentresiliency of the Aspring -398 and therefore, this spring returns the`rod and `cutting mechanism to the :inoperative position. f

Referringv .now `to the hammer 136:6 mentioned hereinabove, yattention`is directed primarily to Figures 1 and '3. Here the hammer 360 isshownf as simply a bar connected to a rocker shaft :396. ,This ,rockershaft is mountedon suitable perches 338 and 488, respectively, whichare, in turn, .attached to vthe said support. If it :is found desirable,the, said rockerrshaft 388 may Kbe Li-,shaped with the above `'mentionedcam follower (inthe form 'of-:a rollen) 244 attached thereto. :This'camfollower engagesithe .said cam lobe 2.42 intermittently during themovement of the ,pitman l240 in its cycle offoperation. Y

IIthas beenfound-expedient'to,utilize,a-straight hammer 360 in lieu ofthe L-shaped rocker shaft 396, with the roller 244 aattachedxlirectlythereto.

i3 Of cours,"ths`"'wuld require a slight alteration as to the shape,position, and size of the cam lobe v242. With the described mechanism,however, it

is readily understood that it is within the purview of the invention toadjustably mount the hammer 360 on the shaft 39S to regulate the strokeof the hammer. This is but an expedient which may be resorted to if itis found desirable.

It is readily appreciated, upon inspection of Figure 3, that the cutter342 may be moved as described above until the hammer (which isintermittently actuated as described) comes into such a position as tobe contacted by this hammer.

Manual priming device A latch keeper 402 is secured to the said supportby any suitable means, such as welding, bolting or the like. This latchkeeper has a notch 464 formed therein for accommodation of a lever 4%.The said lever 496 is pivoted to a suitable perch 4% which is, in turn,secured to the said support member 42. When it is desired to prime thedevice, the said lever 496 is actuated about its pivot pin 4 B as anaxis for raising and lowering the rocker arm 82. A reduced terminalportion H2 engages the under surface of the said rocker arm 82, liftingthe piston rod 88 therewith through the intermediate structure. Thedevice should be manually primed before set into operation in order totest Whether the material in the crucible or melting pot 36 is in theproper stage of fluidity. Further, the invention may be manually primedby actuation of the lever 435 for setting the mold |52 in the mold cell|92.

It will be noted that the arrangement of elements in the presentinvention is so supplied that the entire device may be set intooperation by one individual. The switch may be actuated for the motor 2dfrom one side of the invention, the heating means rendered operativefrom the same side and the invention may be primed from that particularside. The mold may be set in place and the various other adjustmentssuch as the regulation of lubricant flow may be easily effected.

Operation A supply of material is placed in the crucible 36 and heatedto the desired state of uidity. Of course, the heating occurs by meansof the furnace and burner construction as described previously. Manualpriming is then the next stage of operation and the mold of the desiredsize and characteristics is seated in the mold cell. The water supply ispermitted to flow through the coil |Q4 in order to cool a portion of themold and mold cell to form the strip 246.

The piston rod E8 is actuated by the mechanism described and the powerstroke of the piston is effected by means of the potential energy storedin the spring it. On the downstroke of the piston, the molten orsemi-molten material is forced through the pipe |42 and into the elbowIIS, whence the check valve ball |34 impedes further low through thiselbow IIS. The material flowing through the pipe |42 urges the ballcheck valve element |58 into its associated seat |62, thereby forcingthe charge of material to be projected through the mold |52.

On the upstroke oi the piston |132, material is received through thepipe or conduit |68 as well as through the channels |28 and |39. Thelubricant is, of course, permitted to dripand/or be sucked into thesystem through the spout |74.

It is noted that the port |56 is so arranged inthe blockl |44 that theball |50 will not normally close the said port |5S on the upstroke ofthe piston |62. In order to compensate for the leakage as describedabove the regulation of the valve stem |24 may be efiected at this time.

As the resultant strip is formed, it is intermittently pulled by thepuller mechanism and held by the holding mechanism. The said strip thenproceeds to the cantilever support, whereupon the cutter mechanism,responsive to the length of travel of the;` issuing strip, is renderedoperative. When it is desired to cut a predetermined length strip, thestop 326 is slidably adjusted on the actuating rod 324, therebyrendering the response oi the cutting means earlier than when arelatively longer strip is desired.

The length of strip which is desired is sheared at this time andprevented from falling backward to obstruct the free travel of thecontinuous strip. Of course, as described above, the cutting mechanismis resiliently returned when the pre-selected length of strip is cut.

In pulling the strip 246 from the mold, it is sometimes desirable tostop this operation for a duration. Under such circumstances, thebracket 4|6 forming a latch which is pivoted to lthe base plate 251i ofthe puller mechanism is pivotally actuated for engagement with thethreaded element 260, thereby maintaining it in the inoperative positionrelative to the sliding block 254.

While there has been described and illustrated but a preferred form ofthe invention, it is apparent that certain variations may be madewithout departing from the spirit thereof. Accordingly, limitation issought oniy in accordance with the scope of the following claims.

Having described the invention, what is claimed as new is:

1. In an apparatus for forming strips of material which includes asupport, means carried by said support for intermittently pulling one ofthe strips including a base plate with means for reciprocating said baseplate, a bearing block for the strip secured to said plate, a striplocking block, a pivot carried by said base plate with a memberadjustably carried thereby and operatively connected with said lockingblock and mounting said strip locking block on said plate such adistance from said bearing block as to cause binding of the two blockswith the strip therebetween when moving the locking block with respectto and toward the bearing block by moving said plate forward in a partof a single reciprocatory cycle of operation, and a spring reacting onsaid base plate and said locking block constantly urging said lockingblock toward said bearing block.

2. In an apparatus for forming strips of material which includes asupport, means carried by said support for intermittently pulling one ofthe strips including a base plate with means for reciprocating said baseplate, a bearing block for the strip secured to said plate, a striplocking block, means adjustable toward said bearing block for slidablymounting said strip locking block on said plate such a distance fromsaid bearing block as to ycause binding of the two blocks with the striptherebetween when moving the locking block with respect to and towardthe bearing block by moving said plate forward in a part of a singiereciprocatory cycle of opvblack toward Said bearngblock, andfmeans can`ried.. by VSeial support Vfor holding the .pulledetlfip comprisngaplatesecured .to yseid support `with a fixed block securedvthereto, a sliding101001:` secured to .said last-mentioned plate and cooper ating wthsaidfixed block, and saici'fxed block andsaid sliding block forming jaws forholding the pulled strip. while the pulling means is oper.- ating inthereturn .movement in the single cycle of operation.

ANTON H. NARROW.

REFERENCES CIT ED The following references are of record Vin 'the fileof this patent:

Numieer 16 UNITED ASTAELJZIS:PA-'IENFIS Y Name Date Pehrson Feb. 24,1914 Knight Apr. 10,A 1917 Blasted June 22, 1920 Breit July 11, 1922Elrod Dec. 19, '1922 Dittmann Feb. 13, 1923 Fatupel Aug. 28, 1923 HedlyDec. 11, 1923 Elrod et a1. Dec. 29, 1925 Hedy Apr. 14, 1'931 Eldred Nov.1, 1938

